My senior dog's nails are long and curving. Should a vet trim them?

Great question! I would use animal nail clippers which you can get from a pet shop. Be sure to avoid the quick, which is the pink part of the nail. If that is cut, it will bleeding a lot and be painful to the dog. I will link a website that details exactly how to cut your dog's nails: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/dogs/clipping-your-dog's-claws

Just like people, dogs' nails are constantly growing. Some dogs require nail trims as often as every 2 weeks, but if a dog spends more time walking on concrete, they may be able to go several months between nail trims. Concrete acts as a bit of a nail file, so the abrasive surface can help to file nails on dogs of all sizes. Since you're nervous about clipping Kiki's nails, you may want to try using a Dremel to help file them. Some dogs are afraid of the loud noise, but others are more agreeable to this than clipping - the only way to find out is to give it a shot. Since you're uncomfortable clipping her nails at home, the only other option is to continue taking Kiki either to a groomer or a vet every few weeks/months to have her nails clipped. There's a blood vessel (often referred to as the quick) inside of each nail, which is what can bleed if it's nicked. You can use styptic powder from the pet store to help cauterize any mild bleeding that may occur, which is the same thing that your vet would likely use. More intensive cautery is rarely needed for nail trims. It's extremely uncommon for vets to intentionally cut the nails back short enough that they'd all bleed because this is extremely painful and largely considered to be unnecessary. Sticking with frequent trimmings is enough to gradually help the quicks to become a bit shorter.

There is no reason for any veterinarian not to see your dog only because there are no records. The nails need to be cut by someone who knows how. Please try another veterinarian or possibly a groomer.

They certainly need trimming and you should not let them grow longer as the quick will also grow longer and then trimming is difficult. You can have Feenix's nails trimmed at your veterinarian's office for little money. Best is to make an appointment for that. The techs are usually very good at trimming nails.

The quick can be tricky to find, especially if the nails are darker. If it has been some time since the nails were last trimmed, which is likely it sounds like, then the quick will be longer. The best bet is to trim the nail as close to the pad as possible because it sounds like you probaly can not see the end of the nail. If you can see the end of the nail there is typically an overhanging bit from the top of the nail. It is typically safe to take this off without worrying about the quick as it is in the whole portion of the nail and then you can work back from there. If the nails are lighter in color you can sometimes see where the quick is by looking at the side of the nail. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi and thanks for your request about Sandy's nail. The nail seems fractured and would need to be trimmed. Unfortunately this can cause bleeding and discomfort and it would be ideally performed by your local veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Clipping their nails is needed to shorten them and walking them outside usually keeps them shorter and may delay the need for clipping though clipping is always still going to be needed. Good luck and have a great day!